Why Make This Recipe
Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a delightful and fun dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creamy goodness of cream cheese. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday party, or just a sweet treat for yourself. This cake not only tastes amazing, but it also looks beautiful, making it a great centerpiece for your dessert table. The unique swirling effect resembles an earthquake, adding an element of excitement and curiosity.
How to Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat until well combined and smooth.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the cake batter.
- Pour the remaining batter over the cream cheese mixture, spreading it gently.
- Sprinkle the chopped strawberries, coconut, nuts, and chocolate chips evenly on top.
- Using a knife, swirl the cream cheese mixture through the batter to create an ‘earthquake’ appearance.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Let cool before serving. Enjoy your delightful dessert!
How to Serve Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Serve the Strawberry Earthquake Cake warm or at room temperature. You can cut it into squares and place them on dessert plates. For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The flavors pair perfectly with the cake’s sweetness!
How to Store Strawberry Earthquake Cake
To store the Strawberry Earthquake Cake, let it cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it at room temperature for a couple of days. If you want to keep it longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months; just make sure to wrap it well. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Tips to Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This helps it mix smoothly with the powdered sugar.
- Feel free to customize the toppings! You can add different fruits, nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate on top.
- For a richer flavor, try using coconut milk instead of water in the cake mix.
- Swirl the cream cheese mixture gently to avoid blending it too much into the batter.
Variation
You can experiment with different cake mixes, like vanilla or lemon, for a different flavor profile. You can also use other fruits like blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries for a twist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the cake.Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.Is it okay to leave the cake out on the counter?
Yes, the cake can be left out for a couple of days at room temperature, but for longer freshness, store it in the refrigerator.
Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Make sure it is at room temperature.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Toppings
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat until well combined and smooth.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the cake batter.
- Pour the remaining batter over the cream cheese mixture, spreading it gently.
- Sprinkle the chopped strawberries, coconut, nuts, and chocolate chips evenly on top.
- Using a knife, swirl the cream cheese mixture through the batter to create an 'earthquake' appearance.
Baking
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Let cool before serving.